Netflix has added a new Spanish-language stop-motion animated film, "My Name Is Frankelda," a dark fantasy that serves as a prequel to a TV series. The review says there is no need to know the series beforehand, and that the film is now available to stream on Netflix. Directed by Arturo and Roy Ambriz, the 103-minute Mexican production is set in 19th-century Mexico and centers on Francesca, a young orphan who wants to become a writer of horror stories, and Prince Herneval, from a parallel realm of nightmares.
In the story, Herneval lives in a kingdom sustained by human dreams and fears, but that world is fading as people become more cynical and less frightened. He recruits Francesca in the hope that she can create new horror tales and restore his kingdom. The review says the film looks spectacular, with meticulous stop-motion animation, striking and sometimes bizarre sets, and a consistent gothic style throughout. Guillermo del Toro is credited as an adviser on the production, and the visual tone is compared to the work of Tim Burton and del Toro.
The article is more critical of the musical numbers, which it says can feel forced and overly explicit, as if the characters are stating emotions directly instead of letting the story carry them. Even so, it argues that the film's real strength is its writing, which is smarter and more mature than it first appears. Beneath the fantasy setup, it explores creativity, the role of imagination in society, and how people define good and evil.
The review warns that the film is not suitable for all ages because some imagery and content may be challenging for younger children. It recommends parental judgment for family viewing, while saying older children, teenagers, and adults should find it worthwhile. The film was rated 4.2 out of 5.
